Texas House Bill HB2330

Texas 2009 - 81st Regular

• Out of House Committee: 3/30/09
• Voted on by House: 4/9/09
• Out of Senate Committee: 5/8/09
• Voted on by Senate: 5/21/09
• Governor Action: 6/19/09
• Enrolled: 6/1/09
• Passed: 6/19/09

Caption

Relating to laboratory tests measuring kidney function.

Impact

The enactment of HB2330 modifies Chapter 42 of the Health and Safety Code, introducing the requirement for eGFR reporting in all serum creatinine test results for individuals aged 18 and older. This change is expected to elevate the standard of care for kidney health by ensuring that more comprehensive information regarding kidney function is available to healthcare providers and patients. The move is significant, as it aligns diagnostic practices with a more holistic understanding of kidney health, which can lead to better patient outcomes through timely interventions.

Summary

House Bill 2330 aims to improve the accuracy and comprehensiveness of kidney function assessments by mandating that laboratories include estimated glomerular filtration rates (eGFR) in reports of serum creatinine tests. The bill defines two critical terms: 'serum creatinine test,' which measures creatinine levels in the blood, and 'estimated glomerular filtration rate,' which provides a calculation of kidney function based on serum creatinine levels, age, race, and gender. Starting from the implementation date, laboratories will be required to incorporate this additional data into their reporting processes.

Contention

While the bill appears to have strong potential benefits in terms of health outcomes, there may be discussions surrounding the implementation logistics and potential costs incurred by laboratories. Some stakeholders may express concerns about the resources required to adapt current laboratory reporting practices. However, given the potential for improved patient care, the bill advocates a proactive approach to kidney disease management, which is a crucial area of focus in public health.